Big donors fuel Florida GOP's $7.5 million quarter

Some of the biggest lobbying interests at the Capitol helped fuel more than $7.5 million in fund-raising by the Republican Party of Florida to end the final three months of 2011.

Among the biggest donors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida ($660,000), casino interest Genting ($200,000) and Disney with $165,000.Progess Energy gave $220,000. The Seminole Tribe, another gaming interest, gave $175,000 to the party.

But another notable source was Senate President hopeful Andy Gardiner's committee, Protect Our Liberty, which forked over $250,000, reports filed Tuesday show. His report shows it went to the Senate majority effort.

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